Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
Who doesn’t love fruits? I know I do, and so does my dog Koda. If I accidentally drop a piece off the counter, he scarfs it down before it even hits the ground. While I’m not the biggest fan of vegetables, my dog loves them just as much as fruits—which is fantastic! Fruits and vegetables are packed with phytonutrients for both me and my dog, making it important for us to enjoy a variety of produce. However, fresh produce doesn’t last as long as traditional dog treats, which can sometimes be challenging to use before they go bad.
That’s why I love making frozen dog treats out of blended produce—kind of like smoothie popsicles but without the stick. Plus, frozen dog treats take a bit longer to eat, providing my pup with a fun activity to enjoy. Here’s how I make them:
The Base
Like any smoothie, start with a base ingredient. You can use water or plain Greek yogurt. Plain Greek yogurt is rich in antioxidants, beneficial for dogs in moderation. However, always consult your vet before introducing yogurt into your dog’s diet, especially if they have health conditions or are lactose intolerant. If you choose water as your base, just use enough to help blend the fruits and vegetables smoothly.
Fabulous Fruits
You can create a large batch of mixed fruits or smaller batches with just one or two fruits for a more distinct flavor. I typically make lots of small batches. Great fruits to include are apples, bananas, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, oranges, raspberries, strawberries, and even tomatoes. Be mindful of portion sizes, as some fruits are best in smaller amounts.
Vivacious Vegetables
Adding vegetables can enhance the nutritional value of your treats. Excellent options include broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, kale, sweet potato, and zucchini. Again, ensure portion sizes aren’t overly large for any one vegetable.
Preparing the Treats
Next, blend everything together. Bonus Tip: After blending, stir in a scoop of Dr. Phytos for more variety. Pour the mixture into silicone molds of your choice—at our house, we use dog bone-shaped molds and place them in the freezer. You can leave them in the molds until you are ready to serve them, or pop them out and store them in a bag for later use.
These frozen treats are a fun way to provide variety and phytonutrients to your dog’s diet, all while reducing food waste. Enjoy!
